ASADA Expected To Expand NRL Investigation From Cronulla To Manly After New Revelations

The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority is "expected to expand its investigation" into National Rugby League club Manly following revelations players were injected with calf blood -- and potentially other substances -- at the private homes of teammates, according to Brent Read of THE AUSTRALIAN. The home of former forward Josh Perry, now playing in England, was among the venues used by players for off-site injections of Actovegin, "the controversial but legal extract obtained from calf blood that enhances aerobic oxidation." It is not banned under the WADA code "unless it is infused intravenously." Manly CEO David Perry, who was not at the club at the time the alleged injections took place, has been "made aware of what occurred and it is understood he broached the subject during a phone hook-up with ASADA on Monday" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 3/15). In Sydney, James Hooper wrote the fact three players were getting injected off-site by a nurse at Perry's home "set off alarm bells." However, Manly Coach Geoff Toovey said, "From my recollection, the only thing that was injected here was Actovegin which was approved by all the bodies and ASADA" (DAILY TELEGRAPH, 3/15).

POSSIBLE EVIDENCE: In Sydney, Brad Walter wrote credit card receipts and recorded phone conversations "may be tabled as evidence" when NRL Cronulla Sharks players begin meeting ASADA investigators next week. Despite complaints from federal Sports Minister Kate Lundy that the Sharks had not made any of their players available to be interviewed, "ASADA and legal representatives for the players had agreed last week to a process and time frame for that to occur." Further talk between ASADA and the player representatives, "who Cronulla officials insist have been operating at arm's length from the club since their appointment, are set to continue next week" (SMH, 3/15).